Méabh enjoys her Rose of Tralee experience

The 23-year-old Digital Marketer joined 64 other Roses from across the world on Friday, August 12, and over the following 11 days, enjoying every aspect of the annual Rose Tour of Ireland and the Festival in Tralee.

Describing herself as “a proud Daddy’s girl”, Méabh has a First Class Honours degree in Marketing and a diploma in Industrial Studies from the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. She also took the plunge to study Events and Hospitality Management in Florida. One of the highlights of her time in the States was singing Lady of Knock at St Patrick’s Day Mass.

Méabh is the captain of St Mary’s Aghagallon Camogie team and has worn the Orchard County jersey at both minor and senior levels. She’s also a big fan of Irish music and dance.

“The Rose of Tralee is something I really believe in and something very close to my heart,” said Méabh. “I believe in the values the festival embraces - aspirations, ambitions, intellect, friendship and it celebrates our Irish heritage and culture.

“The Rose of Tralee Festival has grown and evolved just as society has grown and evolved and truly reflects modern Irish women today, I think that’s the beauty of it, you can just be yourself.”

Unfortunately Méabh didn’t make it through to the televised stage.

Executive Chair of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, Anthony O’Gara, said: “RTE can only accommodate 32 Roses on Live TV which is why we needed to stage a qualifying phase.

“Every Rose has enjoyed the full experience by travelling on the pre-Festival Tour of Ireland. taking part in the parades, attend the Rose Ball and the various functions. I wish to thank our judging panels who had a difficult task to select the final 32 Roses for TV.”

The 2016 Rose was crowned on Tuesday night as the ‘MAIL’ went to press.